The Woodward Family History

What Does the Woodward Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Woodward is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words ‘wode’ and ‘ward,’ which together signify a keeper or guardian of the woods. Variations in the spelling of Woodward include Woodyard, Wadard, Woodard, and Woodwards. The lineage of the Woodward families can be traced back to the Essex region of England, from where it subsequently spread to London and into the counties of Kent and Middlesex. Additional settlements of individuals bearing the Woodward name occurred in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, and Warwickshire. In Scotland, the Woodward surname is predominantly found in the counties of Lanarkshire, Fife, Angus, and Aberdeenshire. In the United States, the Woodward families established themselves in several states, including Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. Notable individuals with the Woodward surname include Neil W. Woodward, an astronaut; Thomas Jones Woodward, the birth name of renowned Welsh singer Tom Jones; Bob Woodward, a journalist for The Washington Post who was instrumental in uncovering the Watergate scandal; professional baseball player Chris Woodward; Eric Woodward, a former Governor of New South Wales, Australia; George Radcliffe Woodward, a composer from England; Henry Woodward, a Canadian inventor who co-developed the incandescent lamp in 1876 and later sold the patent to Thomas Edison; and Tim Woodward, an English actor.